Hi, I’m Issaias Arreguin from the Mexico City. In February of 2009 was when a strange and not normal pain began affecting my ankles and soles of the feet, I thought my job as a cook where I spend sometimes more than 8 hours of standing could be causing this trouble. The pain came and disappeared but equally, hurting a couple of days dragged on for weeks, to spend a few months note that the movement was quickly whipped pain legs now completely affected, though still blaming to the long hours and heavy work so I did not give it more importance and medical care, enough to stretch your legs and massage to relieve some of the pain and reduce swelling of the feet. So the months went to the point that the pain appeared more intense daily and accompanied by redness and increased temperature in the feet, I decided to self-medicate with 400 mg of ibuprofen every 8 hours as looking for some information on drugs to treat muscle aches and anti-inflammatory action and that the sale did not require medical prescription elects to start taking it and keep using it to feel a little better. September came and it was 400 mg of Ibuprofen every 3 hours he needed to try to support the work day and was more than accustomed to using the stick that four months ago helped me to stay on my feet, it was impossible to step the feet and dragged a result of the stiffness in her legs and trying to sleep became a nightmare, there were so many dawns that the pain was unbearable and I do not remember the exact times at home I said “do not cry, you us to go to the doctor? ” but I had the silly idea that would completely disappear the next morning. The weight loss, fatigue and pain were evident increasing the presence of a disease and still hoping to wake up one day without pain let a month pass without medical attention, but the day to move inside I did my room dragging my body on the floor and screaming take me to the doctor I regretted not going to the hospital eight months ago … Blood tests began, and were likely many final diagnoses given to me, to staph, ram cancaneo until kidney failure overwhelmed me so much and enters a terrible depression leading me absolutely not to trust any doctor. There was so much pain disability requesting it began to be a nuisance at work. The year 2010 came and with it the transfer to another hospital care specializing in rheumatology, the doctor begins with a physical examination and x-rays thoroughly revised and occasionally makes me any questions about the pain started or advanced, to hear my answers nods and searches clinical history to give you results comparing with each other … It took more than 15 minutes when I said “If … You Ankylosing Spondylitis” My face was of utter astonishment on hearing such a strange name and think it takes me 10 minutes to give me the diagnosis that other doctors tried to figure out in 3 months. Was inevitably ask me to repeat the name because it sounded so weird and unpleasant I thought I might die.

I always had the idea that most doctors are pretty straightforward and very cold to say things, and it really gave me the explanation I confirm that day more. “This is not going to kill you but one day you will stop walking” inevitably my eyes filled with tears, my dreams, plans and projects collapsed in seconds, remember that for more than three years is part of a theater company where everything was dancing , jump, run and stop just for the sake of my career was just beginning and it was devastating knowing that it should leave … A normal life of 19 years in seconds completely changed!!! Followed by the emotional shock some relief came as the doctor began by explaining how the process of AS and its treatment, repeatedly mentioned that it was not curable but could control it with an endless number of drugs and biological treatment. It was very hard to accept and believe mostly with the speed of the physician to make the diagnosis, I admit that I did not leave very satisfied or satisfied with the clinic. The incapacity lasted a month because of the type of work and the average situation that presented. Everything was so strange and alarming than coming home I started searching for information on the disease and everything related to it … As I read more I became convinced that the doctor was right and did not hesitate to start with NSAIMs medicate. I was sent to the laboratory for a Mantoux test and biological treatment can begin. Past 72 hours back to the doctor and authorize my biological treatment as the result of Mantoux was negative and could start my treatment with Infliximab, was a month taking indomethacin, sulfasalazine, paracetamola, folic acid and methotrexate and just noticed some improvement was previously the department where the biological and applied to get a sign on the door said “rheumatology department chemotherapy” Again the fear and sadness took over me and I thought “I’m really so sick” when entering smiling nurse told me “do not panic, that sign is too aggressive, but do not worry nothing’s wrong” I explained how the drug works and Full details and agree to use my first infusion. The day came and I still remember, spent about 3 hours and woke up a little sick but getting off the couch reposet could not believe … THE PAIN WAS GONE! To this day I still consider the Infliximab as a miracle of medicine, the following appointment was only to renew the inability for a month and collect more drugs. After 3 applications Infliximab again I felt like wearing coupled with almost 4 months resting.With 6 months of treatment and rest back to my old life, strong working hours, new features could do what I love in life … It has been 4 years of being in this battle, there have been many tears, many canceled commitments, but there are also many things that I have valued with this disease, and as I have given strong pain crises have also given me eager go ahead and strive to be a better person every day, we can not give to be stronger … NEVER LOSE FAITH !!!

I still have all the treatment, inflammation levels have declined considerably and therefore the same amount of drugs, I have had pain crisis but are too strong for short periods and are given every 6 months or so, yet I exercise stretching and walking to prevent the terrible back pain.